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Martial Arts for Youths, Children Tae Kwon Do Benefits, MA (Jim) Tae Kwon Do, let alone any martial art, has a place in anyone’s life. There are many different reasons why a person makes a commitment to this pursuit. Benefits such as losing weight, becoming more flexible, building strength and relaxation are just some that most adults have when first starting Tae Kwon Do. But for a youth student, the benefits can be even greater. Instruction for youth students is very different than how adult classes are structured. While an adult learns through understanding, youth students need to have fun. It all comes down to their attention span. But beyond the kicking and the punching, the preparation of learning their next form and the fun of the games, there are so many more benefits that our children receive, without even realizing it…
The Physical Benefits
Everyone understands that there are physical benefits that come with the pursuit of martial arts. The youth students are able to work on this while their bodies are still developing, which means that they are becoming stronger and more flexible, which can last a life time. This aspect of the martial arts teaches them the positive habit of fitness.
Games
As the saying goes “It’s not all just fun and games”, but the less the youth student realizes this, the better. That’s why the youth classes include carefully constructed games. These games are a very integral part of their instruction. They may think it is just a game, but they are learning fundamentals, such as balance, teamwork, focus and speed.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Responses
Youth students learn by seeing and doing. One way to incorporate this into their martial arts instruction is to have them learn certain responses. Beyond learning to count in Korean, or answering with “Yes sir” or “Yes ma’am” in response to being given direction, there are various physical and verbal responses that the youth student learns. Saluting the flag teaches respect for one’s country, while bowing on and off of the mat, as well as to the instructors and Masters, teaches them respect for authority, as well as their elders. Responses are used throughout the class instruction in order to maintain the youth student’s attention, while also teaching them to be comfortable with speaking in front of their peers.
Is Sparring Fighting?
It is understood that Tae Kwon Do is a contact sport. Once a youth student reaches a certain point in their training, and the Master instructors believe that they are ready, they start to take part in the sparring class. Safety is always the first priority, but the students are still kicking and punching their classmates, and this can be a concern for some parents. But special emphasis is put on the purpose of sparring. When asked “Is sparring fighting” the youth student knows that it is not. The follow up question “What is sparring ?” is answered with “Practicing with your friends”. They understand that the purpose is not to cause harm, but to work together to learn and to become better.
The “Do” List
The youth students “Do list”, teaches them that anything is possible when you believe that it is. The important ideal of never giving up is being taught. The “Do” List has them verbalizing their commitment by stating “I can do it, let me do it, I can do my best”, and this translates into their desire to succeed.
Goals
Goals are very important in martial arts, as they are in life. In martial arts the current focus for the student is meeting the requirements to test for the next belt level. While this is important, especially for the youth students, they must also remember that all of the hard work that they are presently putting forth will someday lead to them reaching the level of black belt. To emphasize this long term goal youth students are asked “What is your goal in Tae Kwon Do?” to which they respond “To be the best black belt”. Not just any black belt, but the best that they can be, which again helps teach dedication and putting forth your best effort.
Three Focus for Children
The “Three Focus for Children” has the students verbalizing their need to put their all into what they are doing, and to understand that focus requires their eyes, mind and body; effectively their whole self. When asked the youth student responds by coming to attention, pointing to their eyes while reciting “Focus on my eyes”, then pointing to their mind while reciting “Focus on my mind” and then returning to attention and stating “Focus on my body”. This helps to maintain the youth student’s attention so that they can continue to put forth their best effort.
Code of Conduct
The youth students have a “Code of Conduct” for their martial arts training. Their Code of Conduct provides them with seven everyday “rules” that touches upon their life, both in and out of the Dojang. This code focuses on respect to your parents and to your elders, loving your siblings, keeping your body clean, doing your best at school and appreciating all that you have in your life. These codes are not only memorized, but become part of who they are. The youth student knows that the Masters want them to live these codes and will at times ask them if they are following them. This teaches them accountability for their commitments.
Summary
Mu Han martial arts is unique because of the thoughtful way that the instruction is provided, and the fundamentals that are being taught, often without even realizing it. Both of my children have reaped the benefits of this way of life. They are stronger physically and mentally, which has helped with their other physical pursuits. They are more respectful and appreciative of what they have. Whenever I am told what great manners my children have, or when I see the looks on my friend’s faces when they bow while handing me something, or answering “yes sir”, I feel pride in them and know that Mu Han is a big part of that. I can state, without a doubt, that my children’s devotion to Mu Han Tae Kwon Do has helped to make them who they are today, and will help to make them better members of society when the grow into adulthood.
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